8. High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema. High altitude pulmonary edema(HAPO) is not a disease, it is an acute, dramatic and sometimes life-threatening condition seen in un-acclimatized persons. This sometimes happens suddenly and without warning to a person.

(a) Signs & symptoms.

(i) Symptoms often begin suddenly in middle of night and worsen rapidly.
(ii) Extreme shortness of breathes, sometimes with wheezing.
(iii) Restlessness and anxiety.
(iv) Paleness.
(v) Sweating.
(vi) Bluish nails and lips.
(vii) Low blood pressure-it may be high in initial stages.
(viii) Cough - this may be unproductive at first, but later it can produce frothy, bloodstained sputum.

(i) Follow regime of acclimatization.
(ii) Principle of work high and sleep low should be adhered strictly.
(iii) Avoid alcohol and smoking.
(iv) Take lots of fluids as tea, coffee & cocoa at frequent intervals.
(v) Aspirin can be given to reduce headache and irritability.
(vi) Patients of diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar), hypertension and heart diseases should avoid high altitude. (vii) Don’t take even minor ailments like cold, viral fever etc lightly.